Danbury council adopts $2024-25 budget and mill rate after heated education debate

The Danbury City Council voted May 7 to adopt the city27s fiscal year 2024-25 budget and property tax levy after hours of public comment and deliberation that centered on education funding and a delayed municipal audit.

Mayor Roberto L. Alves and council leaders framed the adopted package as a compromise that increases funding for schools, public safety and infrastructure while acknowledging the financial strain on taxpayers. The council also ratified several related items: separate votes approved water and sewer rate increases, ARPA reallocations and multiple board appointments.

Supporters, including dozens of residents, students and community leaders who spoke during the meeting27s public-comment period, urged the council to back the budget as a necessary step to address overcrowded classrooms, deteriorating school facilities and public-safety needs. "Show me your budget, and you show me your priorities," said Carolyn Giordano, who urged passage to protect public safety and infrastructure.

Critics pressed for more transparency and an independent audit before final votes. Several speakers, including longtime residents and parents, said they were uncomfortable approving a major spending plan while the city remained behind on its audits. "No audit to date has been delivered," said Warren Levy, calling for stronger action if auditors do not produce results. Finance Director Dan Garrick told the council the 2022 audit draft had been submitted and auditors had committed to finalizing it by May 31.

Council members debated specific line items in ad hoc committee reports before taking the main motion. Councilman Salvatore successfully moved an amendment to increase registrars' salaries; other ad hoc sections for general government, education, public works and public safety were adopted individually before the main appropriation passed. Council members emphasized the one-time nature of roughly $12 million in state funding incorporated into the plan and said they would continue advocating for more sustainable support from Hartford.

On the floor, Councilman Fox and others warned that some discretionary increases (museum and park authorities were cited) should not come at the expense of classroom staffing. The public-works and parks portions passed despite three dissenting votes; the full appropriations ordinance ultimately passed on a roll-call after extensive remarks.

The council also approved modest utility adjustments: staff said the average quarterly water bill will rise by $5.10 and sewer by $7.00. The session closed after several other routine votes and appointments.

The budget vote concluded with the council adopting the ordinance making appropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 and levying the property tax for the same period. The mayor and council called for continued collaboration with the Board of Education and renewed efforts to secure recurring state funding.

The council will now move to implement the adopted spending plan and follow up on the outstanding audit work; several members said they expect continued oversight and regular updates to residents on spending and capital projects.